The ONCF Maintenance Facility in Tangiers was designed and built by AREP following a call for tenders by the ONCF (Morocco’s national rail operator) and is part of the plan to create the country’s first high-speed line.

Located in Moghogha in an area on the south-east edge of Tangiers, the future TGV maintenance facility is tasked with maintaining a fleet of 30 duplex TGVs. AREP designed a project that blends in with the surrounding environment, uses local materials or materials produced in the country and delivers green energy and water management (including a wastewater treatment plant, filtration of wastewater, rainwater collection, overhead natural lighting and solar panels) in order to reduce the environmental impact of this comprehensive industrial facility (maintenance shed, specialised workshops, stores, storage tower and six-storey office building). AREP paid particular attention to the architectural plans in order to showcase the major component parts of the programme, while also conveying ONCF’s modernity, echoing the technology and design of the rolling stock that it houses. The desire to have natural lighting was behind the decision to select and use translucent materials (opalescent polycarbonate and canvas), which were tailored to the purpose of the premises, thus creating a light and pleasant environment and also being economical, as they cut the use of artificial lighting. Large uncluttered volumes convey a sense of strength, reinforced by the hues of the buildings that reflect the surrounding districts. A landscaping project completed the revamp of this former railway area and uses trees to ensure continuity with the contemporary landscape.